This lovely book (published in 2011) provides information about specific Deer-Resistant Plants in a lovely and informative manner. The initial section of the book includes the introduction and valuable short sections about Signs of Deer Traffic, Times to Expect High Deer Pressure, Commonly Used Controls and Designing a Deer Resistant Garden. The description of deer resistant plants lists several characteristics including fuzzy-leaved plants, plants which contain chemical compounds unpalatable to deer, strong fragrances that confuse deer, and tough, leathery or fibrous textured plants. There were several items in the control suggestion which I had never really thought of doing for deer control. One was to rake up acorns in mast years, if possible, because they are common deer food.
The 50 deer-resistant plants in the book are listed by common name and shown by category: annuals, perennials, shrubbery, etc. The Latin name of the plant is clearly posted below the common name. A box on the first page of the description for each plant provides a “Quick Look” which includes Hardiness, Plant Category, Height and Spread, and a Deer Resistant Rating. The rating is from 7 to 10. The deer resistant rating numbers are explained in the Introduction. For instance, Rating 7 is described as follows: Deer sometimes nip off flowers but leave foliage alone.
The remainder of the text provides a description of the origin of the plant, how it and its flowers look, and names different varieties of the plant. This introduction to each plant is followed by two sections, How to Grow and Design Tips. A full-page color photograph accompanies the text.
You will find familiar deer resistant plants in the book such as the Christmas Fern, the Beautyberry Bush, Peony, Sage and Dusty Miller. There were also deer-resistant plants that I may have seen but knew little about (for example, Lily Leek, Thurnburg Bush Clover, and Big Root Geranium).
This book delivers exactly what is promised in the title and more. Additionally, it is well-organized, well-illustrated, and attractively composed. If you are interested in having a deer resistant garden or lawn, I believe you will find that it is a good resource.
Holly Sparrow, HWMG Master Gardener